Hegseth Calls Impeachment ‘Sabotage’ Amid Military Success Claims
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth condemns impeachment efforts as political sabotage, citing military victories in Iran and Venezuela.
4 min read
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed impeachment efforts against him during his first press conference in over 180 days. Speaking at the Pentagon, Hegseth condemned the initiative led by outgoing U.S. Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), stating it marked the first time a secretary of war or defense was punished for winning military conflicts.
Impeachment as Political Spectacle
“In the 250 years of our American republic, no secretary of war or secretary of defense has ever been impeached for carrying out lawful military operations, and in our case, successful ones at that. Not once,” he stated.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth defends U.S. military operations in Iran, Yemen, and against cartels and the Maduro regime, arguing they were lawful missions ordered by the commander in chief. Hegseth accuses critics of targeting him over military victories and rejects… pic.twitter.com/4wAgWxnx9B
“Iran, the cartels, Maduro, Yemen, everyone was a lawful operation ordered by the commander-in-chief, then ordered by myself, notified to Congress and executed by American warriors who did their job,” he later added. “For the first time in American history, a Cabinet secretary overseeing America’s military is being attacked not for losing conflicts with our enemies, but for winning them.”
Massie Files Impeachment Against Hegseth
On Monday, Massie introduced eight articles of impeachment against Hegseth, accusing him of high crimes and misdemeanors stemming from alleged unauthorized military actions in Iran, Yemen, Venezuela, and against purported narco-terrorists operating in the Western Hemisphere, as well as allegedly suppressing free speech.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth honors U.S. service members involved in recent military operations ahead of Veterans Day, praising their service and calling them heroes. Hegseth says no politician should characterize their service as a crime. For more updates, watch OAN on OAN… https://t.co/jzWgVI4zUh pic.twitter.com/3Qzs4AN8OK
Hegseth framed the introduction of the articles as a “political spectacle,” stating that it was a “personal manifesto driven by ego and resentment.” “That’s what it is — policy disagreements. Not high crimes, not misdemeanors, not treason, not bribery, not the kinds of offenses the Founders intended when they wrote the Impeachment Clause,” he said.
Impeachment Threatens Military Morale
The secretary also went on to assert that the impeachment efforts convey the message to service members that their actions were criminal.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth condemns the impeachment resolution, arguing it sends the wrong message to U.S. adversaries and undermines American military operations. Hegseth calls the effort “sabotage” and says it puts a target on the backs of American warriors. For more… pic.twitter.com/BI7iKWepXH
“On the eve of Veterans Day, these resolutions tell everyone of them that their service was a crime. Their service was not a crime. These are heroes, and no politician in Washington will tell them otherwise while I hold this office,” the secretary said.
Military Success and Sacrifice
Since the advent of Operation Epic Fury on February 28th, 18 American service members have been killed in the U.S.-Iran conflict, and Hegseth recognized their sacrifice, underscoring the successes of the missions they supported.
“Sheer success, victories in both Venezuela and Iran; energy security in our hemisphere in a way none thought possible for a generation; and no nuclear bomb for Iran ever,” he stated.
“But of course, security doesn’t come free. Nobody was lost in the mission in Venezuela, but 18 Americans have given their lives in Operation Epic Fury,” he went on. “We know their names. I’ve been to Dover. We honor them every day. But their sacrifice only stiffens our resolve.”
Impeachment as Sabotage
Hegseth explained that the introduction of the articles undermines American leadership on the world stage.
“Let’s be clear about what this resolution actually does. It tells our enemies — Iran, the cartels, every adversary watching — that the United States will actually punish its own warriors and its own civilian leadership for successfully executing lawful military operations,” he said.
“This is not patriotism. This is sabotage,” he added.
Trump Praises Hegseth Amid Impeachment Efforts
President Donald Trump praised Hegseth following the press conference, posting on Truth Social that his defense warranted an “’A’ PLUS, PLUS, PLUS,” referring to Massie as a “disgruntled, angry, defeated, former Congressman,” and “a TOTAL LOSER!”
“With recruitment at an ALL-TIME HIGH, from an all-time low under Sleepy Joe Biden, and TWO VICTORIES, Venezuela and Iran, Pete Hegseth should be praised, not Impeached,” Trump stated in a Truth Social post on Monday. “Congress, stand up for Pete!!!”
Source: OANN
